Black Daruma

While I had never heard about this 2023 horror movie titled "Black Daruma", as I happened to stumble upon it by random chance here in 2024, then of course I would sit down and watch it, given my life-long fascination and love of the horror genre.

The concept idea for the storyline definitely was interesting, and I will say that writers Fionn Watts and Toby Watts, both of whom also directed the movie, had some interesting ideas on the drawing board and brought to the storyline. However, despite all the good intentions and ideas, it just sort of caved in on itself, because nothing overly interesting happened in the narrative, as it dragged on and on in a rather slow pace.

As for the character gallery, well the character Ryan very quickly grew annoying and frustrating to look at and listen to. This was on no account because of actor Richard Galloway, not at all, no it was simply the way that writers Fionn Watts and Toby Watts had fleshed out the character for the movie.

Despite of having a rather small cast ensemble, I have to admit that I wasn't familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list. And truth be told, that is actually something I do enjoy, watching new and unfamiliar talents on the screen. The acting performances in the movie were definitely fair.

Something that didn't sit well with me in the movie was the way that it was shot. Yeah, those hand-held, shaky camera things just doesn't really work for me. And that is what 90% of this movie consisted of, hand-held and shaky camera angles. And I have to say, that at least for me, these unbearable hand-held and shaky camera angles took away so much from the movie, and made it rather difficult to properly enjoy the movie.

While "Black Daruma" is listed as a horror movie, I have to say that there wasn't an ounce of anything scary in the movie, unless you consider ridiculous camera work and an annoying leading character as scary, well then you're in luck.

What a swing and a miss of a movie. Trust me, you don't want to waste your time, money or effort on this dumpster fire. Some of us suffered through the 75 minutes, so you don't have to; you're quite welcome.

My rating of directors Fionn Watts and Toby Watts's 2023 movie "Black Daruma" lands on a one out of ten stars.

This is a really interesting take on the found footage style film. It's technically a POV film, but the POV is a seemingly inanimate object for most of the movie.

It's definitely unique within the genre, and the performances and tension were really well executed. It's a delicate balance because especially the lead role could easily go too broad and become silly, but there's a commitment to the central premise of the story that makes it work. Also, the dynamic between the husband and wife is fraut with really effective tension and anxiety.

I had a really good time with this one and will be interested to see what these brothers make next.

You're forced into seeing with the doll's eyes but from who's eyes is the story more horrifying? The doll, the guy or his other half?

After an off kilter start to the film, seeing their desperate descent into a broken reality was pretty sobering as someone who has experienced psychosis.

The cringe and comedy in watching someone lose their mind is both entertaining, and nauseating as it evolves.

Still rattled by the ending and think this one will stay with me longer than I'd like.

Not sure I'll reccomend it as it disturbed me so much, but that's probably a sign of a good psychological horror movie haha!

Ok not usually into Indie Brit movies as I generally find them with awful acting as well as poor special effects rounded off with a dumb plot line.

I thought well its had one review and it could be a fake rating as movie companies do that sometimes to rate the movie up the rating charts.

Suprisingly this is a very good Indie horror with a peep eye for the camera shot all the way through the movie which I loved as it reminded of how the comedy UK show peep show was filmed so was impressed with the visuals for this movie.

No spoilers but acting was great and the plot line was great too that you dont notice the film running time of 116 min.

If you are fed up with some of the American B horror movies which they keep releasing on us poor Brits then do check this movie out you wont be disappointed.

8/10 Really loved it which makes a change as I said its just a small independent movie.

Absolutely love the quirkiness and style of this film!! A breath of fresh air! Horror with humour! An amazing combination. Didn't want it to end. I've watched this several times already, filmed in Sheffield too which as a Sheffield girl, is a bonus. You really never know what's coming next with this one. It has highs, lows, humour, scares, what more can you pack into a film. Very quirky the way it is filmed through the eyes of the doll too. I love the Watts brothers style, it's not your average run of the mill expected movie experience. It's great to see new unexpected actors involved, instead of big names too.